Us Code § 7402 - Definitions

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 7402 — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 7402. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1) The term "Agreement" means the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, done at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in Rome, Italy, November 22, 2009, and signed by the United States November 22, 2009.

(2) The term "IUU fishing" means any activity set out in paragraph 3 of the 2001 FAO International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.

(3) The term "listed IUU vessel" means a vessel that is included in a list of vessels having engaged in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities in support of IUU fishing that has been adopted by a regional fisheries management organization of which the United States is a member, or a list adopted by a regional fisheries management organization of which the United States is not a member if the Secretary determines the criteria used by that organization to create the IUU list is comparable to criteria adopted by RFMOs of which the United States is a member for identifying IUU vessels and activities.

(4) The term "Magnuson-Stevens Act" means the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).

(5) The term "person" has the same meaning as that term has in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1802).

(6) The terms "RFMO" and "regional fisheries management organization" mean a regional fisheries management organization (as that term is defined by the United Nation's 1 Food and Agriculture Organization Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing) that is recognized by the United States.

(7) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Commerce or his or her designee.

(8) The term "vessel" means any vessel, ship of another type, or boat used for, equipped to be used for, or intended to be used for, fishing or fishing-related activities, including container vessels that are carrying fish that have not been previously landed.

(9) The term "fish" means finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds.

(10) The term "fishing"—

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), means—

(i) the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish;

(ii) the attempted catching, taking, or harvesting of fish;

(iii) any other activity which can reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking, or harvesting of fish; or

(iv) any operations at sea in support of, or in preparation for, any activity described in clauses (i) through (iii); and


(B) does not include any scientific research activity that is conducted by a scientific research vessel.

(Pub. L. 114–81, title III, §303, Nov. 5, 2015, 129 Stat. 664.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 94–265, Apr. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 331, which is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1801 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1801 of this title and Tables.

1 So in original.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 7402 is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 7402. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 7402

What does United States Code § 7402 cover?

Section 7402 ("Definitions") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 7402?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 7402" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 7402 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.